Stuff to know about ADHD...

Do me a favor. Just for fun. Next time you're in a conversation and somebody brings up "ADHD," I want  you to say this when its your turn to speak:

"You know, ADHD is just the tip of the iceberg..."


Try and be smug and clever when you say it too. Why? (Because its sorta funny when you act smug and clever). AND, that statement is the truth. You are going to spread the truth about ADHD.

You see, the common symptoms of "inattention" or "hyperactivity" or "both" aren't even really the most significant part of the actual diagnosis. They're the byproducts of something much more troubling and concerning. They're the result of an impairment in what is known as "executive functioning."

Not to mention, I don't know a single child ranging in age from 3-17 that doesn't struggle with "inattention, hyperactivity, or both." Those symptoms can also just be kids being kids.

ADHD is a real neurological impairment with real neurological underpinnings. I guess that's why it sorta bugs me when folks talk about ADHD so flippantly. You don't hear folks talking about Autism or Depression like that.

But lets not get distracted. Let's go back to your conversation.

After you smugly deliver the "tip of the iceberg" comment, someone will say: "What do you mean?"


To which you reply: "If you're really talking about ADHD, inattention and overactivity are the least of your concerns. Those symptoms are just the expression of an entire series of cognitive processes gone haywire..."


Your conversation will most likely end abruptly at that point. Because the rest of the explanation is sorta boring.

But hopefully you get the point. For a such a commonly used label and/or description, ADHD is barely understood by those that NEED to understand it (i.e., kids, teachers, and parents).

ADHD is a big, fat indicator of a neurological impairment that produces impairments across each of the following areas:

1. Self-regulation (e.g. filtering what you think to what you say, checking work, etc.)
2. Organizing behavior across long periods of time (e.g. at work or at play, staying the course).
3. Inhibiting impulsive behaviors (e.g., hitting, yelling, etc.)
4. Planning, setting, and achieving goals.
5. Internal motivation.

Plan your intervention to address 1-5 and you'll see improvements in inattention and overactivity.

And that is stuff you should know about ADHD.

(Need help planning interventions to address these issues? Contact Dr. Springer)